Nationwide snow and ice warning
Met Éireann have issued a Status Yellow Snow and Ice warning across all counties, and it will remain valid until 11pm tonight. Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions leading to hazardous driving conditions, poor visibility and possible travel disruption. A separate Status Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning will also be in place for Ireland from 9pm tonight until 10am on Friday, with widespread icy stretches likely.
CAO applications
CAO figures have shown that there has been a further drop in the number of Leaving Cert students applying for medicine and nursing courses, while courses in technology, law, business and engineerings have grown in popularity. Medicine is down 11%, nursing is down 10%, while pharmacy is up 10 per cent and physiotherapy is up 1% on last year.
Michael D Higgins weighs in on school curriculum debate
In a statement from President Michael D Higgins, he said: “There is also the need for the appropriate dissemination of basic information regarding sexuality in the fullest sense, by those responsible for providing education … The requirement for respect to be shown, and the right for it to be experienced, should be available to all. It is necessary that it be taught, encouraged, and its absence sanctioned.”
Georgia’s ruling party revoke controversial ‘foreign agents’ policy
Despite the promise of Georgia’s ruling party’s to revoke a controversial new law on “foreign agents” that sparked large rallies and international outcry, opposition parties have vowed to continue protesting. Under the bill, non-government groups and media would be targeted if they take over 20% of funding from abroad. The main ruling party said it was pulling the bill “unconditionally”.
6-year-old boy who allegedly shot teacher in the US won’t be charged
The boy who allegedly shot and wounded Richneck Elementary School teacher Abigail Zwerner on January 6, leaving her critically injured from a bullet that struck her chest, will not be criminally charged. “After researching this issue thoroughly, we do not believe the law supports charging and convicting a 6-year-old with aggravated assault,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn has said.